Train services disrupted during station upgrades

The opening of the new Darlington station was pushed back from December to spring next year

Train passengers are being warned of disruption this weekend while a new signalling system is being tested.

The work is part of the £140m upgrade of Darlington station, which is set to be completed in the spring 2026.

Network Rail said the tests were "an important step" in bringing the station's two new platforms into use.

It means no trains will run from Newcastle to York or Leeds at the weekend, with replacement bus services in place.

Service changes include:

• No CrossCountry service between Leeds/York and Newcastle. Replacement buses will run between Leeds and Newcastle via Darlington and Durham

• LNER will operate one train per hour between London King's Cross and Edinburgh via Newcastle using a diversionary route

• Other LNER trains will run between London King's Cross and York, and between Newcastle and Edinburgh/Aberdeen. For customers travelling to/from Durham and Darlington, replacement coaches will run between York and Newcastle

• Lumo will run reduced service between Newcastle and Edinburgh only

• No TransPennine Express services will travel between York and Newcastle Trains towards Liverpool Lime Street will be diverted to start and terminate at York. A rail replacement bus service will be in place between York and Newcastle

• Northern services will run between Saltburn/Whitby/Middlesbrough and Eaglescliffe, and between Newcastle and Carlisle. Buses will be provided between Eaglescliffe and Bishop Auckland and Darlington and Newcastle via Chester-le-Street

Luke Durston, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said: "This weekend's signalling work is a key step towards opening the new platforms at Darlington station.

"We're grateful to passengers, residents, and our partners for their continued patience and support as we work to complete this transformative upgrade."